Integrative Medicine Matters

The Whole Person Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine with Dr John Sykes

Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with GP and lifestyle medicine advocate Dr John Sykes about why true health goes far beyond managing biomarkers. Drawing on his work both in the NHS and private practice, John makes the case for whole person care — addressing physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, harmful substances and social connection as the real foundations of health. The conversation explores the growing role of GLP-1 weight loss medications, whereJohn argues passionately that wraparound lifestyle care should be the core treatment, not an afterthought. He touches on the battle between big food and big pharma, the critical importance of muscle mass as we age, and the scienceof muscle myokines as natural anti-inflammatory agents. The episode closes on an optimistic note, celebrating community-based initiatives like Park Run and the growing momentum behind lifestyle medicine as a genuine force for change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Health is physical, mental and social wellbeing, not just absence of disease • 70% of chronic disease is lifestyle driven and much of it can be reduced or reversed • Why stopping GLP-1 drugs without lifestyle support can leave patients worse off • How exercise dramatically cuts risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression & dementia • Why resistance training from midlife is essential to prevent age related muscle loss • Leg and grip strength are among the best predictors of a long functional life • Personalisation is essential as advice only works when it fits someone's real life SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [ https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-john-sykes] Dr John Sykes is a GP in Bath who is as passionate about Lifestyle Medicine as he is about General Practice. Whilst living in Australia, Dr Sykes has utilised his keen interest in positive lifestyle changes to set up a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic in Sydney to reduce, prevent or reverse disease and to help his patients lead healthier, happier lives. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine as well as a Trustee and Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He has organised and delivered several national and international conferences on Lifestyle Medicine in the UK. This includes the inaugural “RCGP Lifestyle Medicine” Conference, which won a local award with the RCGP.   Dr Sykes has worked in several areas of need, an experience which has shaped his interest in chronic disease management for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mental health disorders.If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠single modules⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics andconversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

Timing Is Everything: How Your Circadian Rhythm is Reshaping Your Health with Adriano dos Santos

About This Episode Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Adriano dos Santos, sleep medicine researcher and circadian biology specialist, for a eye-opening conversation about the scienceof your internal body clock. Adriano argues that many patients are not diagnostic failures but timing failures, and that simple adjustments to when you sleep, eat and live could transform your health.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why you can feel chronically unwell despite normal test results and what circadian misalignment really means • How every single cell in your body contains its own clock and why this changes everything about how we approach health • Why when you eat matters just as much as what you eat and how to work with your body's natural rhythms • Why melatonin starts rising as early as 6pm and what you could be doing in the evening that is silently sabotaging your sleep • Why the direction of light in your home matters and the simple lamp switch that could transform your sleep • How your gut bacteria directly influence your brain's ability to produce calming neurotransmitters that help you sleep • The everyday habits backed by hard science that support better sleep, from dimming lights to gratitude journaling About the guest: Adriano dos Santos is a clinical registered nutritionist and researcher specialising in circadian biology and the gut–brain–microbiome axis. He is a speaker knownfor translating complex scientific concepts into practical insights that advance integrative health. He holds a Nutrition Science Degree (BSc Hons) andcertifications including AFMCP (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice). His expertise in sleep medicine, gut health, and metabolic syndromes, combined with his passion for improving patient outcomes, is trulyinspiring.   SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-adriano-dos-santos] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

Ginkgo for Your Brain, Ginger for Inflammation: The Science of Herbal Medicine Explained

Pioneering herbalist Simon Mills joins Dr Elizabeth Thompson for a fascinating exploration of why Integrative Medicine remains essential despite persistent barriers in mainstream healthcare. With over 40 years of experience, Simon traces the evolution from "alternative" to "complementary" to "integrative" medicine, revealing how he co-founded the Research Council for Complementary Medicine. The conversation delves into the science behind key botanical medicines, from ginkgo's remarkable effects on circulation and cognition to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, while challenging common misconceptions about herbal medicine being "slow" to work. Simon emphasises the immediate physiological effects of plant-based remedies and introduces lesser-known therapeutic agents like resins (myrrh and frankincense) for immune support. The episode concludes with exciting emerging research on the neurovascular unit (formerly the blood-brain barrier) and how dietary plant compounds are revolutionising our understanding of brain health and neuroinflammation. In our latest episode, he shares: * Why ginkgo became Germany's most prescribed drug * The ancient principle of "heat" that modern science now confirms * How the gut-brain connection actually works (it's not what you think) * Which herbs work immediately—and which require standardized extracts * The most exciting frontier in brain health research ⁠SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/podcast-simon-mills] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] ⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including ⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] –and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

Medicinal Mushrooms for Cancer? Evidence-Based Integrative Oncology with Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan

Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with Dr Santhosshi Narayanan, integrative medicine physician at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, about evidence-based integrative oncology. Discover how medicinal mushrooms, Ayurveda, acupuncture, and mind-body practices are safely combined with conventional cancer treatment in one of the world's leading cancer centres.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✨ Why integrative oncology matters - treating the whole person, not just the cancer 🍄 Medicinal mushrooms explained - start with shiitake from your grocery store  🧘‍♀️ Mind-body medicine improves patient outcomes - meditation, yoga, and stress management 🏥 How MD Anderson integrates complementary therapies safely alongside chemotherapy 🌿 Ayurvedic wisdom meets modern oncology - personalised nutrition and gut health 🔬 Research-driven approach builds trust with oncology teams 💬 Why open communication about supplements is essential for patient safety About the Guest Dr Santhosshi Narayanan [https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/santhosshi_narayanan.html] is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Integrative Medicine Centre at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre. She is double American board‑certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine and holds a master’s degree in Ayurveda. She serves as Vice President of Advancement, an executive role for the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO), where she has also co‑chaired the Global Committee and founded the Ayurveda Special Interest Group. She previously served on the Board of the American College of Physicians (ACP). SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [https://tinyurl.com/3pv6w5x4] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including single modules [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

The Healing Power of Voice: Where Art Meets Medicine with Christina Shewell

Voice therapist Christina Shewell reveals how sound and speech heal your body. Learn why emotional expression speeds wound healing by 52%, how grief gets trapped in your voice, and simple exercises to release stress through sound. Discover the surprising science where art meets medicine.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why 2.14 million UK choir singers experience profound wellbeing benefits * How sound vibrations physically affect your body at a cellular level * The 8 aspects of voice that impact your health and communication * Why grief and trauma can literally get trapped in your voice * The study showing 52% faster wound healing through emotional expression * Simple voice release exercises to reduce stress and change your energy * How cultural suppression of sound limits our healing potential About the Guest Christina Shewell, MA, FRCSLT ADVS, is an internationally known spoken voice teacher, speech and language therapist and communication skills coach, with long experience in both voice development and therapy. She has been senior lecturer in voice and counselling skills at University College London,voice teacher at major acting schools and continues to work in a variety of ways, including as a coach for RADA Business.  SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE [https://tinyurl.com/3t3ar282] If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters [https://ncim.org.uk/news-blog] 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month [https://ncim.org.uk/membership] 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-taster]⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ [https://www.healthelearning.online/courses/introduction-to-integrative-medicine-part-1-accredited] 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma], including single modules [https://ncim.org.uk/diploma#singlemodule] you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠ [https://ncim.org.uk/wellbeing-2]. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ncimorguk], ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ncimorguk], and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncimorguk] – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.